Chapter 22
From Layla's perspective:
"Layla, don't panic. My cousin is also reaching out to her friends in Novaria to help look for your brother."
Listening to Emily's voice on the phone, my mind went completely blank.
My voice was so hoarse it didn't sound like my own. "It's William. It must be William who's hiding Ethan!"
"What is he trying to do? How did I never realize he was a psycho before! This man is absolutely terrifying! Layla, you have to get divorced. Otherwise, I'm afraid William might lose it one day and do something to hurt you."
Hearing Emily's concern and worry, the strength I'd been forcing myself to maintain instantly crumbled.
From nearly being raped by William earlier to him now hiding Ethan away, he'd filled me with a fear that came from the depths of my soul.
I broke down crying again, telling her about William's violent actions with a trembling voice.
"That bastard! Does he even know this is all illegal? He's committing crimes!"
"No, Layla, where are you right now? I'm coming to get you. William is too dangerous. I really can't feel safe with you out there alone."
"Emily, I know you mean well, but I can't drag you into this." I tried hard to stop my hands from shaking, pushing down all the hurt and anger in my heart.
I looked at my reflection in the glass, wiped away my tears, and my eyes gradually became determined. "Emily, I can't run from this. Whether it's getting my brother back or divorcing William, I have to face him."
On the other end, Emily fell into a long silence.
I heard her heavy sigh. I forced myself to smile at my reflection in the glass. "Emily, I have to go now. I need to pull myself together and go negotiate with William."
"Alright. Oh, remember that pepper spray I put in the inner pocket of your bag? Find it and keep it in your hand. If that bastard tries to force himself on you again, spray him!"
"Emily, I'm so lucky to have you."
"Stop being sappy. Stay in touch with me, and don't try to handle everything by yourself."
"Okay."
Sometimes, caring was the greatest medicine in this world.
That brief conversation with Emily healed a lot of the wounds in my heart. The vulnerable helplessness from before was gone, replaced by strength throughout my body.
I found the pepper spray and put on five or six rings that could scratch glass and had some self-defense capability. I also pulled out a small decorative knife accessory I'd bought while traveling and hung it at my waist.
Looking at myself in the mirror, like I was about to go into battle, I made an encouraging gesture to myself.
After a long mental preparation, I finally worked up the courage to call William.
"Hello."
The call was answered quickly, but the person on the other end clearly hadn't woken up yet, his voice heavy with sleep.
"William, we need to talk."
"I'm at home. Come over."
"Okay."
"Come in the afternoon. I need to sleep in the morning."
"Okay."
I didn't expect him to be so calm right now, neither rushed nor annoyed, as composed as if he'd already expected me to contact him.
It looked like Ethan's disappearance was definitely connected to him!
I glanced at the time. Since it was still early, I called the HR manager at Urban Muse and asked for two more days off.
Fortunately, the HR manager was reasonable. She didn't make things difficult for me or make passive-aggressive comments. She simply said a few words and approved my leave.
Thinking back to my conversation with Walter during the interview that day, I felt even better about Urban Muse. I just hoped I could resolve all these troubles quickly and start my new work life soon.
I ate takeout at home and had a coffee. Before I knew it, it was past two in the afternoon.
Calculating the time, I figured William should be awake by now, so I got ready and left to meet him.
An hour later, I got out of the taxi and walked into Silverlake Villa, where I'd lived for three years.
I knocked on the door. No one answered.
Looking at the keypad lock, I hesitated before placing my finger on it.
I didn't know if William had deleted my fingerprint.
This place was full of memories of William and me—happy or unhappy—everywhere reminded me of so much.
My heart felt like it was pressed down by a huge stone, making it hard to breathe.
"Why are you just standing there in the entryway? Don't tell me that after just a few days away, you've already forgotten this place." William came out of the kitchen holding a cup of coffee, acting as if nothing had happened last night.
With mixed feelings, I walked into the living room and sat down in the spot farthest from him.
He pouted, looking somewhat hurt. "Layla, what do I have to do for you to forgive me? Can you really let go of our ten years together?"
"William, I can't live with a man who's cheated on me. Let's just let each other go. Don't let our ten years together end with us becoming enemies." I said this calmly, my eyes fixed on William's every move, guarding against him suddenly losing it and going crazy again.
But clearly my concerns were unnecessary.
He'd probably been severely lectured by Quinton and had toned down his temper quite a bit.
William's gaze was heavy as he met my eyes. Those deep eyes made it impossible for me to see through his thoughts.
We remained in this standoff, neither of us speaking.
Until William let out a soft sigh and opened a video on his phone, breaking the stalemate.
The distinctive beeping sounds of hospital equipment became clearer as he handed me his phone.
"Layla, I think after you watch this, you'll change your mind."
I took the phone, and after just one glance at the screen, I immediately stood up, my whole body trembling with rage. "William! You're so despicable! What did you do to Ethan!"
I knew Ethan's disappearance was connected to William, but I never imagined this bastard would be cruel enough to beat Ethan into critical condition.
Looking at Ethan in the video—pale-faced, covered in tubes, barely breathing—my heart felt like it was being cut with knives. I deeply regretted why I'd ever married William in the first place.
"I didn't want it to be this way either."
"William, you disgust me!"
Looking at William in front of me, my vision gradually became blurry.
I never would have imagined that the William I'd once been willing to die for would one day become so hideous and ruthless.
"Layla, if you don't want anything to happen to Ethan, just be good and listen. We can go back to how things were before and live a good life together, okay?" William reached out to pull me toward him.
Fighting back my disgust, I reflexively swatted his hand away. "Don't touch me!"
"Fine, I won't touch you." He spread his hands open, looking helpless, as if I were the one being unreasonable. "How about this—we'll both compromise. I'll arrange for the best medical staff to treat Ethan. If you insist on divorce, that's fine too. But the condition is, you have to give me a child first."
He wanted me to have his child?
Had William lost his mind?